Are Japanese Toddlers Ahead?

I am not against using workbooks with young children. I browse through them in the bookstore, when I have a chance. Sometimes I find ideas as to how I can introduce some new concept to my daughter. I have seen many Kumon workbooks for preschoolers, and they looked rather engaging. So one day I caved and ordered 4 Kumon First Step workbooks for Anna based on the fact that the cover said, “Age 2 and Up”.

I should have looked at them in the store first or read the reviews. Anna is nowhere near the ability to cut or fold on the level of activities in these books. Either Japanese toddlers are a lot better with their fine motor skills or it’s a wonderful marketing trick to sell more books. I’d vote for the latter. Don’t get caught in it and don’t buy these books until your child is at least 3 or older.